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5 Minutes for Books:
The Only True Genius in the Family

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This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

The sudden death of Claire’s father causes her to reevaluate

  • her relationship with him — which was never good
  • her own career
  • her relationship with her young adult daughter
  • whether or not DNA factors into artistic talent

These themes will resonate with most women. Who hasn’t compared their relationship to a parent with a sibling? Who hasn’t coveted a talent that another family member possesses? Who hasn’t wondered whether or not you’re using your own talents in the best way? Who hasn’t wished for a second-chance to let a loved-one know how you felt? There are questions in the back of the book designed to stimulate further discussion. It would be great to read it with a friend or a book group.

I read The Only True Genius in the Family by Jennie Nash within 24 hours. It’s not a suspenseful novel, but as I finished each chapter, I itched to turn the page and begin the next one immediately. This is always a prime indicator that I am really enjoying a book, but I did wonder if speeding through a novel lessens the joy that comes from savoring the story and the characters. However, both the themes in this novel and the characters themselves have stuck with me, so I don’t think that I robbed myself of anything in this particular case.

I enjoyed it and it touched me — by making me laugh as well as dwelling on the characters and the issues raised — which leaves no doubt in my mind that it’s a book I’ll be recommending throughout the year.

If you’d like to win a copy of The Only True Genius in the Family (U.S. shipping addresses only), leave a comment here. The winner will be announced in next Monday’s column and is subject to our terms and conditions.

This giveaway is linked to the Bloggy Giveaways carnival. Check out more giveaways over there all week long. Be sure to enter our HUGE book giveaway at 5 Minutes for Books as well (you can win a set of books worth over $150).

The winner of last week’s book, How to Be Like Walt, is #159 Brenda. You should have received an email from me, but if not, please send your shipping info to 5minutesforbooks [at] gmail DOT com.

Reader Interactions


256 Comments

  2. The Only True Genius in the Family has got to be a great find. I’d love to read it if it’s the type of book where you can feel good about yourself once you’ve read the book and tried some of the practical advice it may have to offer.

  5. With lots of artistic and creative people in my own family, I think I would enjoy this book. Thanks for the chance to win!

  33. I love all kinds of books, and a quick read like this sometimes just hits the spot! I hope I win!

  34. This sounds like a good read. Not my normal read, but I would like to read it. Thank you for the giveaway.

  39. I need a new book to read. i am about to finish one and I hate to not have another one ready to read!

  49. I am ALL about books. And chocolate. And target. Well okay…I am ALL about free stuff.

    This sounds like an awesome book. I can’t wait to read it.

    Now I just need to win 🙂

  50. I also tend to rush through a book if I am really enjoying it. This sounds like a book I would really like.

  56. I’ve been hearing really good things about this book. Please enter me in the drawing. XXfingers are crossedXX

  72. On these long, cold winter days, I am always looking for a good, new book to encourage me to rest a bit during Li’l Empress’s nap time! Thanks for the opportunity to win this.

  73. This sounds like a great book! Thank you for offering the giveaway! rhonda (at) acedesignstudio (dot) com

  84. Sounds like a really good read. Even if I don’t win, I’m going to have to add it to my Amazon Wish List.

  92. I’d like to win this book. I need to read more than the kids text books. lol

    gahome2mom(at)gmail(dot)com

  95. I would love to read this book! Thanks for the great giveaway!
    -Angela
    itsahumanzoo(at)gmail(dot)com
    P.S. I’ve got a giveaway on my blog as well, feel free to check it out!

  99. This book sounds interesting and I would be happy to own a copy myself of this or any new book. My book collection has gone sour, so I need a refresher. Thanks

  102. This sounds wonderful. I always wonder why I am the only one in my family who can’t draw a thing!

  104. Sounds like a really good read! Thanks for the chance to win!!!

    sherri419 at gmail dot com

  108. Sounds fantastic — I love that it includes discussion questions.

    Thanks for the chance…
    Megret
    musesofmegret (at) gmail (dot) com

  112. I would love to read this book. I need a light read right now. I’m a full time teacher and have gone back for a master in Speech Pathology….heavy reading….need something else.

  131. This sounds good, even if it isn’t a suspenseful book. 🙂 Please enter me.

  143. Yes, I’m itching to read this book since I saw it listed on your other contest earlier today!Thanks,

    Jenny

  154. The way you described the book has peaked my interest! I would love to win!

    orchestratenoise0726[at]yahoo[dot]com

  160. I would love to be entered. It sounds like just the type of book I love to share with my mom

  172. I’m always looking for a new book to curl up with. Thank you for the giveaway! 🙂

  175. I love to read, as I mentioned to you this morning. I love fiction and some non fiction, especially biographies. Please do enter me.

  181. This sounds like a book I’d be interested in. Normally I prefer suspense novels, but it’s always nice to change things up from time to time.

  182. Your description of the book sounds very good, I now need to read this. Thank you for offering it.

  191. This sounds like a really interesting read. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. 🙂

  193. Sounds like an interesting read..I personally thought it was a book about me…genius and all???

  194. It sounds like a good book. My indicator that the story is good? LOoking at the clock and realizing it is well past midnight and I have to be up soon, yet still unable to put it down

  198. Sounds like a great book! I can definitely relate to reevaluating things. I’d love a chance to read it.

  211. A true friend is not a friend that you can see and know that they are there without a doubt. A true friend is a friend you truly have faith in without a doubt. True friendship is when you don’t see that friend but you know that they are there and you learn to trust and believe in them…that one day you will see them without a doubt! I wa t everyone to feel this way…I WILL make everyone feel this way. Runescape gave me that chance…to know what true friendship really is. Together, we flew in the sky , over the ocean , in a dream that lasted forever! With unbroken bonds of the new existence. I DECLARE THESE BONDS UNBROKEN. I will fly with them forever in a dream that turns to the new reality.I am a blinding light made new, emptied of all preexisting darkness, and I will guide those in the darkness.Believe me..when I say I will do something, I will most likely do it eventually. I live to be the very best, not fine, not decent, good, amazing or outstanding. I live to be the very best.I burned fires of infinitism down the longest path that existed for eternity shedding tears…with my friends in the most magical and legendary lake of all time.These friends are the light that shines in the distant…you are the one in the darkness…looking for that light! That light. Is the only thing there to trust, you leave it to chance. One day you find it but it disappears. You can only have faith. That the light is still there. I found that light and I constantly lose it but I learn to trust it even more. I WILL win THIS. I DECLARE IT!!!!!!!!!!! This is how bad I want to win!

    [email protected]

  215. Looks like a great read. Thanks for introducing it.

    Thanks for participating in the Bloggy Giveaway!

  228. Looks like a good book and one that would be fun to read! I need to do more reading so thanks for the chance to win!

  232. I would love to win this book. When my Father died suddenly of a heart attack several years ago we had several unresolved issues.

  240. This book looks fantastic!!! Please count me in!

    Please come visit my giveaway for Bloggy Carnival too! I am giving away a DVD! (#422)

    kayceewilliams at gmail dot com

  253. This sounds like an excellent book. Thanks for hosting this giveaway. Please enter me in the drawing.